Transversal Seal Quality Assessment Using Reference Imprint Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ensuring the quality of transversal sealing in food packages is time-consuming and inefficient with current manual evaluation methods, necessitating an improved assessment method.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a reference imprint during transversal sealing, using an anvil to create identifiable marks, and capturing image data to determine the position of the imprint and reference line, allowing for continuous quality assessment through image analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual evaluation of transversal sealing quality is performed, then quality assessment can be conducted, but it takes a substantial amount of time and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical evaluation system with an automated optical measurement system. A camera captures images of the transversal sealing, and image processing algorithms automatically analyze the sealing quality by detecting the reference imprint position and calculating deviation from the reference line, eliminating the need for manual inspection and enabling continuous monitoring without interrupting production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the transversal sealing area using a camera. This optical copy is then processed through image analysis to extract quality information. The reference imprint serves as a visual reference marker that is captured in the image, allowing the system to compare the actual sealing position against the reference position without physically touching or interrupting the packaging process.
2Productivity
If continuous monitoring of transversal sealing quality is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves multiple functions: it captures images for quality assessment, detects the reference imprint position, and provides visual documentation of the sealing process. The image processing algorithm performs multiple analytical tasks including edge detection, reference line identification, and deviation calculation, all within a single integrated system that adds minimal complexity while enabling comprehensive quality monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing structural features of the packaging (the reference imprint created by the anvil during sealing) as the measurement reference, eliminating the need for separate calibration markers or additional reference components. The image processing algorithm automatically identifies and uses the reference line derived from the packaging geometry itself, allowing the system to self-calibrate and operate without external intervention.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2
AI summary
A method (400) for assessing quality of a transversal sealing (102) of a paperboard-based food package (100), wherein the food package (100) comprises a longitudinal sealing (104), and is provided with an reference imprint (106) in connection to the transversal sealing (102) is provided. The method (400) comprising, capturing (S402), by a camera (202), image data of the transversal sealing (102), determining (S404), in the image data, a position of the reference imprint (106), determining (S406), in the image data, a position of a reference line (104), determining (S408) quality measurement data of the transversal sealing (102) based on the position of the reference imprint (106) relative to the position of the reference line (104).